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The best cold plunge tubs and ice baths are ironically a hot topic in the fitness community right now, with top athletes and gym-goers using this method of recovery for a myriad of purported benefits: reduced inflammation, stress relief and management, immune system support, and more.
RELATED: Ice Bath Benefits
Cold plunge tubs cover a broad range of needs and prices, from DIY cold plunge tubs costing under $100 to high-end ice baths worth thousands of dollars, like the Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro. Priced at just over $9,000, this cold plunge tub has a filtration system and can reach and maintain freezing temperatures.
With such cold temperatures, this is a tub worth looking at for athletes or those who have the budget. In this Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro review, we’ll take a look at what this tub has to offer and who might be best suited for this high-end ice bath.
A Deep Dive Into Cold Plunge Tubs
We’ve taken the plunge, so to speak, into recovery tools for training—namely with cold plunge tubs and the best home saunas. Having tested around a dozen of each, we continue to bring honest and expert reviews on these tools according to our equipment testing methodology. With the expert perspectives of certified personal trainers, lifting coaches, and lifelong athletes, we can provide the information to help you with your next purchase.
For the Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro, GGR Everything lead reviewer Lindsay Scheele, ISSA-CPT, tried the cold plunge over a couple of sessions, one of which was at near-freezing temperatures. While testing out this premium product, she observed the features of the cold plunge tub, rating aspects of the tub on a scale of 1 to 5, such as:
- Footprint and portability
- Durability and construction
- Draining and cleaning
- Ergonomics
- Conveniences
- Overall value
Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro
Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro
Product Highlights
- High-end cold plunge tub
- Temperatures down to 32 degrees Fahrenheit
- Powerful chiller
- Chiller integrated into tub design
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Indoor or outdoor use
- Quiet chiller motor
- Built-in circulation and sanitation systems
- LED for nighttime use
Cons
- Heavy
- Expensive
Bottom Line
The Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro is a sleek, high-end cold plunge option that can be used indoors or outdoors. It has a powerful chiller that can cool water down to 32 degrees in a matter of minutes. While it has a modern look with the chiller integrated into the design, the price point is about $9,000.
A Quick Look at the Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro
Sun Home Saunas is most known for just that: saunas. However, they also have a couple of options for cold plunges, the inflatable Sun Home Cold Plunge and the Cold Plunge Pro, made with a durable exterior suitable for outdoor use. The inflatable tub is made durable with a military-grade PVC material, but the high-quality Cold Plunge Pro is about twice the price of the inflatable tub and comes with quite a few added perks.
For one, the ice bath is self-cleaning, with a filtration system, an ozone sanitization system, and a UV sanitation chamber. The chiller is able to take the cold plunge tub to far lower temperatures than most competitors—all the way to a freezing 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
With its self-cleaning properties and extremely low temperatures, this tub is great for athletes who want minimal hassle in caring for and maintaining their ice baths. Actually, this cold plunge tub is used by professional football, basketball, and baseball teams, as well as by UFC fighters. And with a 150-gallon capacity, there’s enough space to fit some larger athletes, as well.
Before You Buy
- The tub is heavy at 345 pounds empty. Fortunately, the preassembled Cold Plunge Pro comes with caster wheels, making maneuvering the tub to the exact spot you want it much easier—once you get it off the delivery pallet.
- Although it comes assembled, delivery might be the biggest hassle, as delivery is only to the curb. You’ll have to find a creative way to lug the package and ice bath to your ideal location.
- Make sure to have space around your Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro, as there are two vents that must have clearance for filtration and accessibility.
Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro Video Review
Is the Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro Worth It?
There’s no way around it; the Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro is very expensive. At just over $9,000, it’s one of the pricier options available. By comparison, the Ice Barrel is priced at $1,200, and the Redwood Outdoors Alaskan Cold Plunge is just under $2,000—although both of these options have no means of temperature control.
The Sun Home Inflatable Cold Plunge tub and chiller is priced at $4,400, and Polar Monkeys cold plunges range from $3,000 to $6,000, with some filtration system and temperature regulation included. These are great mid-range options, but the Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro has a bit more to offer.
RELATED: The Cold Plunge Review
With its sanitation system, 20-micron filter, and circulation pump, you’re ensured the water stays fresh for each use. This is also the most powerful motor we’ve tested, allowing it to reach the coldest temperatures and maintain those temperatures like few other ice bath tubs can. The tub with the most comparable price point would be the Cold Stoic by Renu Therapy, although it is a few hundred dollars more, plus it doesn’t get as cold and doesn’t have as much water capacity.
With all of that said, it’s pricey, but it’s worth it, especially for larger athletes wanting the ability to get to freezing temperatures. Lindsay rates the value a 4.5 out of 5, saying, “The cost is justified on this, just from all the added conveniences of filtration and sanitation. Plus, it has the highest horsepower we’ve seen from a cold plunge tub.”
Great for:
- Athletes wanting extremely cold water temperatures
- Those who want minimal maintenance requirements in their ice bath
- People looking for premium temperature control
Not recommended for:
- Anyone looking for budget-friendly muscle recovery tools
- Cold water immersion beginners
- People looking for a portable ice bath option
- Those who prefer hot tubs
Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro Specs
| Price | $9,050 |
| Tub dimensions | 78” L x 34” W x 33” H |
| Tub weight | 345 lbs |
| Water capacity | 150 gal |
| Temperature range | 32 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Power requirements | 120 V |
| Extras | Insulated lid, head rest |
| Warranty | Limited 1-year warranty |
Experience Using the Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro
“I tried the Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro twice so far and I already want to use it again,” GGR Everything lead reviewer and ISSA-certified personal trainer Lindsay Scheele remarks on the Cold Plunge Pro. She used it for one session at the ice bath’s warmest temperature—a chilly 46 degrees—and at near freezing, 33 degrees.
“There was ice forming in the tub; it was literally freezing,” Lindsay recalls. “I didn’t quite make it 2 minutes then, but I’m for sure going to try again and reach that 2-minute mark.”
When it comes to cold immersion, how long you’ll want to remain in the water will depend a lot on your tolerance to cold water exposure. If you’re newer to cold water therapy, you may not want the freezing temperatures that the Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro can reach. You can probably enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of cold plunging at a warmer temperature in the 50s.
RELATED: How To Cold Plunge
When asked about her cold plunge experience, Lindsay said she enjoyed the Cold Plunge Pro. She says, “I’d take it home if I could. The mental challenge is great to stay in such cold water, and the water quality stays clean and fresh in between uses.”
Footprint
Like most cold plunge tubs, the Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro is big and heavy, with a weight of 345 pounds before adding water. With an exterior that’s over 6 feet long and nearly 3 feet wide, you’ll need decent space for it, whether you use it indoors or outdoors. Additionally, there are two vents that need clearance, meaning you should have a decent amount of space around the ice bath.
Fortunately, the Cold Plunge Pro has wheels on the bottom, so you can move around the tub some before adding water. With that in mind, it’s still over 300 pounds, so it’ll be a tall order regardless. The Cold Plunge Pro earns a rating of 2 out of 5 for its footprint and portability. Keep in mind that once you add 150 gallons of water to it, the ice bath will be over 1,000 pounds and too heavy to budge, so have it where you want it to avoid unnecessary draining and refilling of the tub.
RELATED: Cold Plunge Before or After Workout?
Construction
The Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro is built to last, with a durable exterior coating that’s UV and weather resistant, making it great for indoor or outdoor use. Additionally, the chiller is integrated inside the plunge tub’s coating, keeping it from being open to harsh weather conditions. With industrial stainless steel coating the interior, the ice bath is built solidly.
Lindsay rates the construction and durability of the ice bath a 5 out of 5. She adds, “It’s a solid tub and will hold its shape easily. It even supported people sitting on the edges of the tub without a problem. I don’t foresee any problems with the tub’s longevity, either.”
The chiller’s motor has one horsepower, which may not sound like a lot, but it’s the most powerful chiller we’ve tested. That’s how the plunge pool can get to such a cold temperature.
Ergonomics
The Cold Plunge Pro has some nice features that keep the user comfortable while in use—despite sitting in freezing water temperatures. At a height of about 33 inches, the tub is simple to climb in and out of. Plus, the interior of the tub measures 47 inches long, which is long enough for even taller athletes to stretch out a bit. Lindsay estimates that two people could probably fit comfortably in the 150-gallon ice bath.
RELATED: Nordic Wave Cold Plunge Review
One nice feature of the tub is a headrest, which helps you lean back and relax…as you’re freezing in 32-degree water. Jokes aside, the headrest is a nice touch that lets you really extend yourself, instead of having to lean forward while in the tub. Along with this, there is LED lighting within the tub, in case you want to ice bath post-workout in the evening.
The cold plunge also comes with an insulated cover, which helps maintain the temperature while not in use, although the powerful chiller will be able to regulate the temperature easily enough.
Conveniences
The biggest convenience to the Cold Plunge Pro is its low maintenance, earning it a 4 out of 5 for convenience. “Draining and cleaning is a breeze, as the cold plunge tank comes with a filtration and purification system already,” Lindsay adds.
The filtration system picks particles that are 20 microns wide. I had to look it up—20 microns is a couple hundredths of a millimeter. That’s some powerful filtration. The water also remains clean through a UV and ozone purification system. That and a pump help keep the water flowing and never stagnating.
When it does come time to replace the water, there’s a simple release valve at the bottom of the tub. Sun Home Saunas doesn’t provide guidance on how often to drain and clean the tub, but every couple of months should be fine as long as the filters are cleaned or replaced routinely.
The Cold Plunge Pro can be programmed for temperatures between 32 and 46 degrees, although setting it proved more difficult than you might think. “It’s not just a set button; there are a few buttons to press to be able to adjust and set the temperature,” Lindsay recalls. “We figured it out on our own, but the instructions also go over setting the temperature.”
Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro vs Renu Therapy Cold Stoic 2.0
Renu Cold Stoic 2.0
Renu Therapy Cold Stoic 2.0
Product Highlights
- Sleek cold therapy tub
- Superior insulation
- Integrated water chiller
- Built-in filtration system
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Insulation Indoor or outdoor use
- Made in the USA
- Standard 110 volt power
Cons
- Heavy
- Super expensive
- 6-10 week lead time
Bottom Line
The Renu Cold Stoic 2.0 is a high-end cold therapy unit that can be installed indoors or outdoors. It not only features superior insulation to keep water cold, the 1/4 horsepower chiller lets you regulate the temperature of your choice, all the way down to 36 degrees Fahrenheit (brrr!). Plus, the insulation works well enough that Renu Therapy’s tests indicated that water stays below 60 degrees even 24 hours after being unplugged.
One of the most similar cold plunge tubs to the Cold Plunge Pro we’ve tested and reviewed is the Renu Therapy Cold Stoic 2.0, which has similar filtration and purification systems. Both are built for indoor or outdoor use, but the Cold Stoic is several hundred dollars more in cost. Also, the interior is less spacious, with a water capacity of only 95 gallons, and the temperatures don’t drop as low.
The main pro for the Stoic is its included 5-year warranty. The Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro only has a 1-year limited warranty. You can extend the protection, but it’ll cost extra. The Cold Plunge Pro is probably the better choice for larger athletes, but the 5-year warranty may be enough to sway people to the Cold Stoic.
You can read more about this premium ice bath in our Renu Therapy Cold Stoic review.
| Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro | Renu Therapy Cold Stoic 2.0 | |
| Price | $9,050 | $9,700 |
| Tub dimensions | 78” L x 34” W x 33” H | 70” L x 33” W x 35″ H |
| Tub weight | 345 lbs | 350 lbs |
| Water capacity | 150 gal | 95 gallons |
| Temperature range | 32 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit | As low as 36 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Power requirements | 120 V | 110 V |
| Extras | Insulated lid, head rest | Step stool, insulated lid |
| Warranty | 1-year limited warranty | 5-year limited warranty |
Customer Experience
In our experience, Sun Home Saunas is always helpful and quick to respond to customer inquiries. “I’ve had multiple interactions with them over the past year, and they always get back to me within 24 hours,” Lindsay adds, rating the customer service experience a 4 out of 5. There are multiple ways to contact the company listed on the website: email, phone, and through a contact form.
The Cold Plunge Pro has a one-year limited warranty that covers manufacturing defects, but not typical wear and tear or misuse of the product. There are options for 3 or 5 years of protection (at an additional cost, though).
Returns are allowed up to 30 days after receiving your ice bath. The product has to be unused in new condition and in its original packaging. However, Sun Home Saunas will take a 25% restocking fee, plus any shipping costs, from your refund.
Ordering and Assembling the Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro
The Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro can be ordered directly from the website. You can go all-in and pay for the tub up front, or you can finance the cold tub through Affirm. There are 0% interest options, although you’ll need to qualify for those payments.
The Cold Plunge Pro comes fully assembled, so you won’t have any hassle to build out the tub. However, the cold plunge is delivered curbside, so you’ll have to find a creative way to get the 345-pound tub from the street to your desired location. The website recommends a dolly or similar transport tool, as well as a crowbar to help open the pallet crate.
Customer Reviews
At the time of this writing, the Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro has 103 reviews on the Sun Home Saunas website. The reviews are overwhelmingly positive, averaging 5 out of 5 stars. There are only two 4-star reviews and they’re still very positive; the rest are 5-star reviews. The website may only be showing top reviews, but the reviews shown are extremely positive.
Most reviews appreciate the convenience of the Cold Plunge Pro, since it requires minimal maintenance. Some also applaud the customer service; overall, everyone seems very satisfied with their purchase.
Final Verdict of Our Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro Review
For athletes looking for health and wellness products to help alleviate muscle soreness and reduce inflammation, the Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro is a great tool. With minimal maintenance and a high-powered motor, it can reach freezing temperatures and maintain those temperatures with ease.
Its main drawback is the price, as it’ll simply be outside some home gym users’ budgets. However, if the price point makes sense for you, this can be a great investment for maximizing your recovery.
Full Rating
Sun Home Cold Plunge
The Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro is a sleek, high-end cold plunge option that can be used indoors or outdoors. It has a powerful chiller that can cool water down to 37.5 degrees in a matter of minutes. While it has a modern look with the chiller integrated into the design, the price point is over $8,000.
Product Brand: Sun Home
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 9500
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.2
Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro: FAQs
Are cold plunges actually good for you?
While more research is needed for ice bath benefits, cold plunges do have purported benefits such as reducing inflammation, supporting the immune system, and alleviating perceived muscle soreness.
How long should you take an ice bath?
The length of time to ice bath will depend on the temperature and how new you are to cold plunges. With a temperature between 40 and 50 degrees, you should aim for between 10 to 15 minutes. Colder temperatures will probably shorten your time in the ice bath. Also, beginners to cold plunges should start with just 2- to 5-minute sessions and build up from there.
Is taking a cold plunge better than taking a cold shower?
The research on cold plunges is minimal; the research on cold showers and recovery is even less. With that said, a cold shower can be as low as 55 degrees, which may be a good starting point for cold water therapy. It can help you acclimate to colder temperatures and prepare you for the full immersion of ice baths.
RELATED: Ice Bath vs Cold Shower
Further reading
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